As of June 30, LME nickel Open Tonnage stood at 265,044 mt, up 2,448 mt from May 29, or up 0.9% MoM, showing a mild inventory buildup overall. From the perspective of origin structure, Chinese-origin nickel inventory increased by 738 mt to 186,384 mt, and Indonesian-origin nickel increased by 894 mt to 19,338 mt, which were the main sources of the inventory increase this month; Finnish- and South African-origin nickel each increased by 354 mt. Chinese-origin nickel still accounted for approximately 70.3% of LME nickel inventory, indicating a high concentration of origin.

As of June 30, LME nickel Open Tonnage stood at 265,044 mt, up 2,448 mt from May 29, or up 0.9% MoM, showing a mild inventory buildup overall. From the perspective of origin structure, Chinese-origin nickel inventory increased by 738 mt to 186,384 mt, and Indonesian-origin nickel increased by 894 mt to 19,338 mt, which were the main sources of the inventory increase this month; Finnish- and South African-origin nickel each increased by 354 mt. Chinese-origin nickel still accounted for approximately 70.3% of LME nickel inventory, indicating a high concentration of origin.

Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has officially released the benchmark mineral price (HMA) for the second half of July 2026. The HMA for this period is as follows: nickel price at US$16,533.67/tonne (down from US$17,593.33/tonne in the first half of July 2026), representing a decrease of US$1,059.66/tonne, or 6.02%. Meanwhile, the benchmark prices for other minerals are: cobalt at US$55,863.00/tonne, iron ore at US$1.44/tonne, and chromite ore at US$6.37/tonne. According to SMM's internal calculation model, based on simulations for pyrometallurgical ore (20% Fe, 1% Cr, 0.05% Co) and hydrometallurgical ore (45% Fe, 2% Cr, 0.10% Co), the benchmark nickel ore prices (HPM) for different grades have changed as follows: - Ni 1.2%: US$45.25/wmt (down US$2.15) - Ni 1.3%: US$49.44/wmt (down US$2.42) - Ni 1.4%: US$53.60/wmt (down US$2.97) - Ni 1.5%: US$58.23/wmt (down US$3.27) - Ni 1.6%: US$63.06/wmt (down US$3.58)

As of now, the FOB price of Indonesian MHP nickel is $14,923/mt Ni, and the FOB price of Indonesian MHP cobalt is $50,169/mt Co. The MHP payables (against SMM battery-grade nickel sulphate index) are 82.5-84, and the MHP cobalt payable indicator (against SMM refined cobalt (Rotterdam warehouse)) is 94. The FOB price of Indonesian high-grade nickel matte is $15,213/mt Ni.

On July 15, the SMM average price of battery-grade nickel sulphate edged down.

As the inaugural year of the "15th Five-Year Plan," 2026 sees the zinc industry undergoing profound transformation against a backdrop of intensifying global macro fluctuations and the deepening of China's high-quality development initiatives. Structural tension has emerged between tight ore supply and the release of smelting capacity; diverging inventory trends inside and outside China reflect a complex supply-demand rebalancing; and technological innovation has become a key driver for resolving bottlenecks and reshaping the competitive landscape. New energy, new-type infrastructure, and other key areas highlighted in the 15th Five-Year Plan are injecting fresh momentum into traditional zinc consumption. Meanwhile, green, low-carbon, and circular economy imperatives, propelled by technological innovation, are accelerating the restructuring of the industry's underlying logic. With the collective support of upstream and downstream enterprises across the zinc industry, industry associations, and relevant stakeholders, SMM 2026 Zinc Industry Conference —held jointly with the 8th Hot-Dip Galvanizing Industry Development and Technology Innovation Forum, the 14th Zinc Salt, Zinc Oxide, and Secondary Zinc Resource Development Forum, and the Foundry Zinc Alloy Development Forum—is about to convene from August 6 to 8 in Qingdao, Shandong. Under the theme "Converging Zinc Momentum, Building the Zinc Industry, Embarking on a New Journey," the conference is driven by the twin engines of macro perspectives and fundamental analysis. Adhering closely to the high-quality development thread of the 15th Five-Year Plan, it focuses on four key dimensions—macro policies, supply-demand patterns, global trade, and technological innovation—aiming to drive cost reduction and efficiency gains through technological breakthroughs, address market volatility through collaborative innovation, and jointly chart a new blueprint for the high-quality, sustainable development of the zinc industry. Weifang Longda Zinc Industry Co., Ltd. will be prominently attending this grand event, joining industry peers to explore development trends and jointly propel the zinc industry to new heights. Click to register now and attend this profoundly significant and far-reaching industry event, joining us in creating a brilliant new chapter! I. Indonesia Plant Location: Kawasan Industri Modern Cikande, Modern Industrial Road, Block W, Number 3, Kecamatan Kibin, Kabupaten Serang, Provinsi Banten. Phase 1 of the base focuses on the production of multiple zinc products, including zinc oxide, zinc alloy, and zinc ingot. Among them, zinc oxide capacity reaches 60,000 mt/year, with commissioning and trial operation scheduled for October 2026. Zinc alloy and zinc ingot production lines are concurrently being established to enhance product supply capabilities. The primary output will be indirect process zinc oxide, ISCC PLUS-certified recycled zinc oxide, and national-standard zinc alloy and zinc ingot, supporting the company's expansion into global markets and extending its global green capacity footprint. II. Vietnam Plant Location: Phuoc Long Industrial Zone, Street No. 1, My An Commune, Tay Ninh Province. The base is being developed in multiple phases. The zinc alloy and zinc ingot project has already commenced operations, with a capacity of 20,000 mt/year. Phase 2 plans for a zinc oxide capacity of 30,000 mt/year, which is expected to be realized in Q1 2027, fully covering the production of all categories—zinc alloy, zinc ingot, and zinc oxide—to complete the overseas product matrix. 3. Two Major Production Sites in China (Integrated Layout) Leveraging profound technical expertise, Longda Zinc Industry’s plant focuses on the production of indirect process zinc oxide and ISCC PLUS certified recycled zinc oxide, with an annual capacity of 60,000 mt. Renowned for consistent quality and excellent performance, its products are widely used in various industrial fields such as rubber tires, paints and coatings, and ceramics, meeting both the demands of traditional industrial production and the stringent standards of high-end manufacturing. The company has built a reliable brand image in the market and, as a participant in standard-setting, contributes practical experience to the industry’s standardized development. Longda New Materials specializes in the resource recovery of zinc-containing solid waste, equipped with mature production processes and a comprehensive supporting system. The site can handle 3 categories of general industrial solid waste containing zinc (hot-dip galvanizing slag, hot-dip silicon-aluminum-zinc slag, tire pyrolysis slag, etc.) and 11 categories of hazardous waste containing zinc (hot-dip galvanizing ash, steel mill ash, steel cord copper mud, etc.), with an annual disposal capacity of 260 kt. Through advanced resource recovery processes, various zinc-containing wastes are harmlessly and efficiently transformed into zinc ingots meeting national standards and zinc alloy products. This model addresses industrial solid waste pollution at the source, reduces reliance on primary ores, and achieves the recycling of zinc resources. Once all four production sites in and outside China are fully operational, the company will achieve scale advantages with an annual capacity of 150 kt for zinc oxide, 100 kt for zinc ingot and zinc alloy, and a stable disposal capacity of 260 kt/year for solid and hazardous waste, further consolidating its industry position in zinc product manufacturing and resource recycling. Contact Yang Wenxue 18053607877 sales@wflongda.com Long-press or scan the code to register now 2026 SMM Zinc Industry Conference

Indonesia’s PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara aims to produce 162,662 tonnes of copper cathode in 2026, up from 79,848 tonnes in 2025, after completing the ramp-up of its smelter. The increase highlights continued growth in Indonesia’s domestic copper refining capacity.

Indonesia’s PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara plans to produce 162,662 tonnes of copper cathode in 2026, more than double the 79,848 tonnes recorded in 2025, following the completion of its smelter ramp-up in April. The company also expects to produce 16,119 kg of gold, 45,439 kg of silver and 572,036 tonnes of sulphuric acid this year. As of June 2026, the smelter was able to process all concentrate produced by the mine. However, another shutdown is planned for December 2026 or January 2027 to carry out additional repairs.

[7.15 Morning Meeting Minutes] The US will blockade Iranian ports starting at 4 a.m. on the 15th; Trump stated that a 20% fee will be charged on cargo transportation and may manage the Strait of Hormuz in the future. The most-traded SHFE nickel 2609 contract surged during the night session and consolidated in the morning session, closing at 129,250 yuan/mt, with an increase of 0.43%. Over the weekend, renewed tensions in the US-Iran conflict, along with a simultaneous rise in the US dollar and crude oil, exerted pressure on metals. However, Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources officially announced on July 10 that it would no longer raise overall national nickel ore mining production quotas, with increases to be very limited and strict exception approval channels set only for domestic smelters facing severe raw material supply shortages. In the short term, nickel prices may rebound, with the most-traded SHFE nickel contract price range at 127,000-133,000 yuan/mt.

SMM Nickel July 14 News: Macro and Market News: (1) The US will blockade Iranian ports starting at 4:00 a.m. on the 15th; Trump: Will impose a 20% fee on cargo shipments; May take over management of the Strait of Hormuz in the future. (2) US Fed Governor Waller: If core inflation posts another hot reading this week, the FOMC will have to consider tightening monetary policy in the near term. Spot Market: On July 14, SMM #1 refined nickel price increased by 1,200 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. In terms of spot premiums, the average for Jinchuan #1 refined nickel was 2,100 yuan/mt, down 50 yuan/mt from the previous trading day, while domestically mainstream electrodeposited nickel brands ranged between -300-500 yuan/mt. Futures Market: The most-traded SHFE nickel contract (2609) surged during the night session before consolidating in the morning session, closing the morning session at 129,250 yuan/mt, up 0.43%. Over the weekend, the US-Iran conflict took another unexpected turn, with synchronized rises in the US dollar and crude oil weighing on metals. However, Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources officially announced on July 10 that it would not raise the overall national nickel mining production quota, with any quota increases to be very limited and only granted through a strict, special approval channel for local smelters facing severe raw material supply shortages. In the short term, nickel prices may see a rebound, with the most-traded SHFE nickel contract expected to trade within a range of 127,000-133,000 yuan/mt.